Risk Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and a healthy work environment, aligning with its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization has been recognized globally, notably as a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms.

Job Overview:
The Risk Officer position at WFP's Sudan Country Office is a newly created role aimed at enhancing the organization's risk management capabilities. The selected candidate will be responsible for supporting the Risk Management Unit by providing specialized advice and support in establishing effective risk management activities. This includes ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, optimizing WFP resources, and contributing to the overall effectiveness of operations. The Risk Officer will report to the Risk and Compliance Officer and will be required to travel frequently to conduct internal control reviews. The role is crucial in embedding risk management into planning and decision-making processes, developing risk appetite metrics, and maintaining risk registers. The position is designed for an 11-month appointment, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk management in humanitarian operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and participate in regular and ad-hoc risk assessments and control reviews to identify and assess risks, develop mitigation actions, and prepare oversight reports for management.
• Support the Head of Risk and Compliance Unit in embedding risk management in planning and decision-making by developing key risk metrics and updating risk registers.
• Coordinate feedback collection, analyze risk performance data, and propose new implementation approaches.
• Engage with functional experts to identify trends, prepare guidance materials, and utilize revised risk management tools.
• Review and analyze risk management activities and exposures, providing advice on enhancing internal control systems.
• Supervise and build capacity among staff, preparing and delivering training programs on risk management and compliance.
• Contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures for managing risk and compliance processes.
• Facilitate management accountability across units, preparing reports on compliance and risk indicators.
• Conduct the annual director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director’s Assurance exercise and support audit preparations. 1
• Promote adherence to anti-fraud and anti-corruption policies and support managers in fraud risk assessments. 1
• Perform other duties as required, potentially serving as focal points for Business Continuity Management and Organizational Conflicts of Interest.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business/public administration, audit, project management, finance, accounting, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional relevant work experience and training in audit, performance, and risk management is acceptable. The role requires hands-on knowledge of governance and organizational structures, as well as experience in conducting audits, oversight, and risk management activities. Candidates should demonstrate experience in program/project management, oversight/audit, and risk management, including managing teams and facilitating strategic discussions. Strong analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as business/public administration, audit, project management, finance, accounting, or international development is required. A first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training in audit and risk management is also acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of risk management in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires progressively responsible experience in risk management activities, including assessing and recommending effective internal controls and mitigation actions. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting audits, oversight, and risk analysis, preferably in organizations that utilize modern enterprise risk management frameworks. Experience in managing teams, including recruitment and performance management, is also essential, as is the ability to facilitate strategic conversations across units.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong writing skills. Fluency in Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication within the local context and enhance collaboration with stakeholders in Sudan.

Additional Notes:
The position is for an 11-month appointment, with the potential for extension based on organizational needs. It is a full-time role, and WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards.